Cherry Winks

7. 10. 2025

This cookie takes us back to the 1950s and gained popularity as the winning recipe for a national Pillsbury baking contest.

The outer layer is coated in cornflakes, a popular ingredient at the time that adds a unique texture to the standard cookie dough. Inside, the cookies have a tender crumb with a combination of fruits (dates and cherries) and nuts (pecans), similar to a fruit cake.

The real star of these cookies is the maraschino cherries, which provide a sweet balance to the crunchy cereal coating and add a colorful touch to each sweet.

It’s important not to skimp on them, as cookies without enough cherries can end up surprisingly bland (trust us on this).

Also, if your cookies need an extra minute or two in the oven, be sure to keep a close watch to prevent the cereal from burning.

Ingredients:

• 2 ⅓ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, patted dry and chopped, plus 8 to 10 more quartered for the cookie tops
• 14 dates, finely chopped
• ¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 2 ½ cups lightly crushed cornflakes

Method:

1. Heat the oven to 375°F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer set at medium speed until light and fluffy. 
4. Add the milk and blend well. Add the eggs, blending between each, then mix in the vanilla.
5. Add the flour mixture, a quarter-cup at a time, until all the flour is well mixed. Stop the mixer. Use a spatula to fold in 1/2 cup chopped cherries, dates, and pecans.
6. Spoon the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll in the cornflakes. Arrange on a baking sheet 2 inches apart. Press a quartered cherry into the top of each cookie.
7. Bake the cookies until set, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat with the shaping, rolling, and baking steps with the remaining dough.

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